Post by Móreadhiel on Jan 16, 2007 12:04:40 GMT -5
Haldir Craig Parker as Haldir in the New Line film
Elf of Lothlorien. Haldir's origin and parentage are unknown. His brothers were Rumil and Orophin. The three brothers were wardens on the borders of Lothlorien, and Haldir had also left Lorien on occasion to gather news of the world and the Enemy.
On January 15, 3019, the brothers encountered the Fellowship near the Nimrodel in the eaves of the forest. Haldir was able to speak to the Fellowship, for he knew the Common Language. Haldir welcomed Legolas as one of his kindred from the north and recognized Aragorn as a friend to Galadriel. He was prepared to lead the Fellowship into Lorien, but he hesitated on learning that one of the party was a Dwarf. After consulting with his brothers, Haldir agreed that Gimli could enter if he went blindfolded.
They spent the night on a flet, a platform in the trees. During the night, Haldir and his brothers heard Orcs passing and lured them away from the Fellowship. When he returned to the flet, Haldir saw a strange creature at the base of the tree, which Frodo guessed to be Gollum.
In the morning, Haldir fashioned a rope bridge for the Fellowship to use to cross the Silverlode. When dissension arose among the Fellowship over the need to go blindfolded, Haldir remarked:
"Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him."
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Lothlorien," p. 362
The Fellowship eventually agreed to all go blindfolded and Haldir led them through the forest. Haldir learned from Merry Brandybuck that the Grey Havens lay west of the Shire, and he spoke longingly of the Sea but sadly of the time when he and his kin would have to leave Lorien. When news came that the Fellowship's blindfolds could be removed, Haldir apologized to Gimli and welcomed him as the first Dwarf to enter Lorien since the time of Durin.
After guiding the Fellowship to Caras Galadhon, Haldir returned to his duties guarding the northern borders. But he returned when the Fellowship was about to depart and guided them to the banks of the Silverlode where boats awaited them.
Nothing further is known of Haldir's activities. It is likely that he participated in the defense of Lothlorien when it was attacked by the forces of Dol Guldur in March of 3019. He may have also been a member of the host from Lothlorien that crossed the Anduin and took Dol Guldur after the passing of the Shadow. It is unknown whether Haldir survived the War of the Ring. If he did, he may have eventually passed over the Sea with the rest of his people.
Movie Note:
In Peter Jackson's film version of The Lord of the Rings, Haldir led a troop of Elves to the Battle of Helm's Deep, where he fought and died. This does not occur in the book.
Etymology:
The name Haldir is composed of hal meaning "exalted, high" and dir which is a masculine ending.
Sources:
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Lothlorien," passim; "The Mirror of Galadriel," p. 368-70, 374; "Farewell to Lorien," p. 386-88
Appendix B of LotR: "The Tale of Years," p. 375
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for DER and KHAL
Elf of Lothlorien. Haldir's origin and parentage are unknown. His brothers were Rumil and Orophin. The three brothers were wardens on the borders of Lothlorien, and Haldir had also left Lorien on occasion to gather news of the world and the Enemy.
On January 15, 3019, the brothers encountered the Fellowship near the Nimrodel in the eaves of the forest. Haldir was able to speak to the Fellowship, for he knew the Common Language. Haldir welcomed Legolas as one of his kindred from the north and recognized Aragorn as a friend to Galadriel. He was prepared to lead the Fellowship into Lorien, but he hesitated on learning that one of the party was a Dwarf. After consulting with his brothers, Haldir agreed that Gimli could enter if he went blindfolded.
They spent the night on a flet, a platform in the trees. During the night, Haldir and his brothers heard Orcs passing and lured them away from the Fellowship. When he returned to the flet, Haldir saw a strange creature at the base of the tree, which Frodo guessed to be Gollum.
In the morning, Haldir fashioned a rope bridge for the Fellowship to use to cross the Silverlode. When dissension arose among the Fellowship over the need to go blindfolded, Haldir remarked:
"Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him."
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Lothlorien," p. 362
The Fellowship eventually agreed to all go blindfolded and Haldir led them through the forest. Haldir learned from Merry Brandybuck that the Grey Havens lay west of the Shire, and he spoke longingly of the Sea but sadly of the time when he and his kin would have to leave Lorien. When news came that the Fellowship's blindfolds could be removed, Haldir apologized to Gimli and welcomed him as the first Dwarf to enter Lorien since the time of Durin.
After guiding the Fellowship to Caras Galadhon, Haldir returned to his duties guarding the northern borders. But he returned when the Fellowship was about to depart and guided them to the banks of the Silverlode where boats awaited them.
Nothing further is known of Haldir's activities. It is likely that he participated in the defense of Lothlorien when it was attacked by the forces of Dol Guldur in March of 3019. He may have also been a member of the host from Lothlorien that crossed the Anduin and took Dol Guldur after the passing of the Shadow. It is unknown whether Haldir survived the War of the Ring. If he did, he may have eventually passed over the Sea with the rest of his people.
Movie Note:
In Peter Jackson's film version of The Lord of the Rings, Haldir led a troop of Elves to the Battle of Helm's Deep, where he fought and died. This does not occur in the book.
Etymology:
The name Haldir is composed of hal meaning "exalted, high" and dir which is a masculine ending.
Sources:
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Lothlorien," passim; "The Mirror of Galadriel," p. 368-70, 374; "Farewell to Lorien," p. 386-88
Appendix B of LotR: "The Tale of Years," p. 375
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for DER and KHAL
